The Engineering and Operations Division designs, installs, operates and maintains traffic and pedestrian signals, road signs and pavement markings. The division is also responsible for vehicle and pedestrian safety. It focuses on design and operation for all users (motorists, transit riders, pedestrians and bicyclists) of the transportation system in order to create a balanced system that provides managed traffic flow and promotes a walkable and sustainable community.

The division is comprised of four sections:

Transportation Systems

Traffic Safety, ITS and Special Projects

Implementation

Operations

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Transportation Systems Transportation Systems is responsible for the operation and maintenance of traffic signals, pedestrian signals and computerized traffic signal systems within the City. The entire traffic signal system is monitored on a daily basis. Signal timing adjustments are made by staff as necessary to mitigate traffic congestion, particularly during the morning and evening peak hours. Staff is on-call 24 hours a day/7 days a week to respond to emergencies. The system currently includes:

Traffic signal pre-emption system along South Boulevard for Lynx Blue Line rapid transit vehicles

Traffic signal prioritization system for transit vehicles along Central/Albemarle

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Traffic Safety, ITS and Special Projects Traffic Safety, ITS and Special Projects is responsible for developing, updating and implementing a comprehensive pedestrian and traffic safety program. This program includes:

Maintenance of a computerized traffic crash record system containing more than 250,000 crashes

Development of data on crash trends and patterns to assist in the identification and treatment of traffic safety problems

Development of comprehensive pedestrian and traffic safety strategy that incorporates engineering, enforcement and education efforts to reduce the frequency of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle related crashes and injuries

This section is also responsible for the phased design and construction of the City’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program and keeping the program strategy current to include new and emerging technologies. The primary components of the current system are:

Fiber optic cable interconnect of traffic signals

Installation of video cameras at intersections and along thoroughfare corridors

Conversion from analog to digital communications

Development of a program to provide real-time traveler advisory information via an internet web site

Implementation Implementation is responsible for the design of new traffic signal installations, modification(s) to existing traffic signal installations and the review and approval of traffic control plans for thoroughfare lane and street closures associated with roadway and intersection improvement projects. This includes the design of signing and pavement marking plans for these projects as well as coordinating their installation by the Operations section or by a contractor.

This section is also responsible for:

Inspection of ITS construction projects

Inspection and upgrade of railroad crossings

Inspection and maintenance of bridges

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Operations Operations is responsible for installing and maintaining:

Traffic signals

Video cameras and loop detectors at signalized intersections to identify stopped or approaching vehicles and bicycles

Signs and pavement markings.

Additionally, the Section fabricates approximately 12,000 signs that are installed on City streets each year. Staff is on-call 24 hours a day/7 days a week to respond to emergencies. These signs include: